Growing Up LGBT in America: HRC Youth Survey Report Key Findings

Description

This report presents key findings from Growing Up LGBT in America, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2012 survey of over 10,000 LGBT-identified U.S. youth ages 13 to 17. Participants reported on their experiences of sexuality- and gender-related openness, mistreatment, and support in their families, schools, communities, and online. They also reported on their current happiness, hopes and dreams for the future, participation in school and community activities, and use of alcohol and drugs. For some questions, LGBT youth responses were compared to those of a non-LGBT youth panel. The report highlights the stigma that LGBT young people continue to face in their families and communities. 54% of LGBT youth surveyed had experienced verbal harassment, and almost half felt they did not "fit in" in their communities, compared to just 16% of non-LGBT youth. LGBT and non-LGBT youth were similarly optimistic about achieving their life goals, but were much more likely to believe they would not achieve those goals if they stayed in their home city or town. 60% of LGBT youth said their families were accepting of LGBT people, while 33% said their families were not accepting. However, 75% said their peers had no problem with their LGBT identity, and 91% were open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with their closest friends.